Hester Sydnor Sanford, age 92, of Hague, departed this life on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. She was born February 21, 1925, the oldest of twelve children, to Otho L Sydnor and Mary Elizabeth Morris Sydnor. She was a member of Carmel United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary 7167 of Warsaw.
After graduating from Cople High School and Farmville State Teachers college, (now Longwood University), she worked at The Farmers Bank of Hague; was part owner of Gawen’s Store, which was later Hague Self-Service and Hague Supermarket. She taught 3rd and 4th grades at Cople Elementary and Montross Elementary Schools.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth “ Betsy” Gawen Sisson (George), and sons, Robert Hall Gawen IV (Carol) and Calvin Garner Sanford, Jr., (Linda). Also eight grandchildren; Sandy Gawen Sisson (Brent), Robert Hall Gawen V, Donald James Otho Gawen (Brittany), George R. “Rod” Sisson IV (Corey), David Gawen Sisson (Kristen), Laura Kathryn Sisson (Joshua), Ann Keeton Sanford and Mary Louise Sanford. Five great-grandchildren, Jacob B Sisson, Allie Kaye Sisson, Katherine M Sisson, Ann Layton Gawen and Camden M Gawen. Three sisters; Emma S Phillips (Bob), Ann S Howell (Larry) and Janet S Williamson (Colin). Three brothers, John M Sydnor (Joyce), James E Sydnor (Dora), and William O “Billy” Sydnor. One sister-in-law, Edna S Douglas and one brother-in-law, Gene C Manly, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husbands, Robert Hall Gawen III and Calvin Garner Sanford. She was also predeceased by four sisters; F Louise Sydnor, Thelma A Sanders, Effie S Manly, Margaret C Sydnor and a brother, Otho L Sydnor, Jr.
Visitation will be held at Carmel United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 18th, with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel United Methodist Women, Marian Heddings, Treas., PO Box 2, Sandy Point, VA 22577 or VFW Auxiliary 6167, c/o Valerie Hayden, PO Box 1224, Tappahannock, VA 22560.
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